ARTRAC commemorates26 years of victory in Kargil War
The commemorative events of Kargil Vijay Diwas were inaugurated in a solemn ceremony by Lieutenant General Devendra Sharma, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, ARTRAC, Shimla
Kolkata Diary | 8th anti-submarine ship rolls out of Garden Reach
Defence PSU Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Ltd has released the eighth and last ship in a series of anti-submarine warfare shallow water crafts (ASW SWCs) built for the Indian Navy. The ship, named Ajay, was inaugurated at an event in Kolkata on July 21. These ships are versatile platforms and can participate in a variety of operations. Designed with low draughts, the crafts are capable of coastal operations, Low Intensity Maritime Operations, and mine-laying. These 77.6-metre-long and 10.5-metre-wide warships are also capable of full-scale sub-surface surveillance in coastal waters and pack a lethal anti-submarine armory comprising lightweight torpedoes, ASW rockets and mines. Old city ghat set for renovation, deal inked In a significant step towards urban renewal and preservation of heritage spaces, the Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata and TNS Logi-Park Pvt Ltd have entered an agreement to breathe new life into historic Doi-Ghat at the heart of the old metropolis. Located on the banks of the Hooghly River, at the confluence of Adi Ganga stream and the main channel, Doi-Ghat derives its name from the Bengali word for curd (doi), reflecting its historical link to the local dairy trade. Once a bustling commercial hub, the ghat served as a market where curd and other goods arrived in earthen pots, especially from Howrah, renowned for its dairy produce. At the intersection of key waterways, Doi-ghat had emerged as a centre for trade and daily dialogue between rural Bengal and the emeging metropolis of Calcutta. 15 new hotels to come up in next 5 years Kolkata-based Ambuja Neotia Group announced an agreement for 15 new hotels with the Indian Hotels Company. This agreement is set to expand the partnership to over 40 hotels. The 15 new sites identified to be developed are a combination of greenfield, brownfield and conversion projects across West Bengal, Sikkim and Himachal Pradesh. These include Taj resorts in Sunderban, Darjeeling, Shimla and Rabong, SeleQtions hotels in Kolkata and Siliguri and Tree of Life in Dooars in North Bengal. The projects are expected to become operational in the next five years. Kaushik Pradhan Our correspondent in West Bengal kaushik@newindianexpress.com
2 female patients die in Shimla govt hospitals, families cry med negligence
Kargil Vijay Diwas celebrations begin in Shimla, J-K LG Sinha pays homage
Powerful video clips on Kargil Vijay Diwas and Operation Sindoor were shown, helping people understand the hardships, bravery, and success of Indian soldiers during the war
Himachal govt urges Centre to carry out in-depth studies on rising natural disasters in state
CHANDIGARH: The Himachal Pradesh government has urged the Centre to carry out in-depth studies, through institutions such as the Central Water Commission (CWC) and the Geological Survey of India (GSI), on the causes of natural disasters in the state. Since 2018, the state has witnessed 148 cloudbursts, 294 flash floods and over 5,000 landslides. Sources said that Union Home Minister Amit Shah had recently ordered the formation of a multi-sector team comprising experts from the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Central Building Research Institute (CBRI), Roorkee, Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune, and the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Indore, to study the reasons behind the recent cloudbursts and flashfloods in Himachal Pradesh. A meeting of the Multi-Sectoral Central Team (MSCT), constituted by the Ministry of Home Affairs to investigate the increasing incidents of natural disasters in Himachal Pradesh, was held in Shimla on Thursday. Additional Chief Secretary (Revenue) KK Pant said that Himachal Pradesh's geographical conditions are different from other states, making it necessary to revise the norms related to disaster recovery and rehabilitation in the region. He stressed the need for institutions such as the Central Water Commission (CWC) and the Geological Survey of India (GSI) to conduct in-depth studies on the causes of natural disasters while being stationed in the state. He highlighted the importance of assessing disaster-prone areas and focusing on early forecasting of such events. He said that emphasis should be laid on pre-disaster planning rather than post-disaster response in order to minimize loss of life and property. He also called for the installation of advanced sensors to improve data collection across the state. Pant said that Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has also been advocating for a detailed study on the increasing incidents of cloudbursts since 2023. He further emphasized the need to set up a flood forecasting unit in the state, with the support of the Central Water Commission, to enhance hydrological monitoring and study glacial lakes. Dr Neeraj from DGRE-DRDO and Atul from GSI participated in the meeting virtually. The MSCT team urged DGRE-DRDO to provide data related to high-altitude regions and asked GSI to focus more on the issues of sudden floods and landslides, which were the two major natural disasters occurring in Himachal Pradesh. Special Secretary (Revenue-Disaster Management) DC Rana gave a detailed presentation on various natural disasters in the state. He said that since 2018, Himachal Pradesh has witnessed 148 cloudbursts, 294 flash floods and over 5,000 landslides. He said that districts such as Kullu, Lahaul-Spiti, Kinnaur and Mandi were extremely vulnerable to such events. He apprised the MSCT team that during 2023 alone, the estimated loss due to natural disasters in the state was nearly Rs 10,000 crore. Apart from this, the state incurs a loss of Rs 1,000-2,000 crore annually due to such events. He said that climate change was a major factor behind the increase in cloudbursts, flash floods and landslides. Senior officials from various departments of both the central and state governments were present in the meeting. On Tuesday, a cloudburst caused large-scale damage in Kaurik and Ranrgik villages of Kaza subdivision. Similarly, an incident of cloudburst was reported in the Leo nullah in the Hungrung valley of Kinnaur district on July 22. Not only these two tribal districts but the entire state is witnessing a shift in agro-climatic zoning and an adverse impact on crops and fruits. Leader of the Opposition and former chief minister Jai Ram Thakurs assembly segment of Seraj in Mandi has suffered widespread destruction and losses to the tune of around Rs 1,000 crore. He feels that climate change can be one of the reasons for this large-scale devastation and there is need for experts to examine this disturbing trend. Meanwhile, a delegation led by Union Health Minister JP Nadda, BJP MPs and MLAs from Himachal along with former Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur on Thursday met Union Ministers Amit Shah and Nitin Gadkari to seek central assistance for restoration of the damaged infrastructure this monsoon. Nadda, who had visited the rain-ravaged parts of Mandi and Kullu district on July 7, apprised Shah about the havoc wreaked by rains on June 30. He sought assistance for reconstruction of the damaged infrastructure from Shah, who assured all possible help. The delegation also called on Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari to seek liberal financial assistance for reconstruction of the damaged roads and bridges, which had suffered damage running into several hundred crores of rupees. Gadkari assured that the road infrastructure would be restored on a war footing.
Rain floods Shimla market, damages goods worth lakhs, shopkeepers fume
Multiple Private Schools In Shimla Receive Bomb Threats, Search Operations Underway
ASP Shimla Navdeep Singh confirmed the development and said all precautionary measures are in place.
Newlywed couple killed as landslides, flash floods wreak havoc in Himachal
CHANDIGARH: Heavy rainfall battered Himachal Pradesh, claiming the lives of a newlywed couple and disrupting connectivity across the state. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for extreme heavy rainfall in Shimla, Sirmaur, Chamba, Kangra, and Mandi districts and advised people to avoid travel. Several parts of the state have been receiving heavy showers since Sunday night. The newlywed couple was killed in Chamba after a boulder crashed onto their house while they were asleep. Deputy Commissioner of Chamba, Mukesh Repaswal, said that a landslide hit two houses at Chari village of Chamba early in the morning. They had got married three months ago and were visiting the womans parental house at Chari when the incident occurred. The bodies have been recovered, he said. The heavy rainfall has also triggered landslides which have blocked the Chandigarh-Manali national highway at several points and cut off access to Kasauli, with over 401 roads shut across the state. The highway has been blocked at several locations, including Dwada, Jhalogi, Kainchi Mod, and near Pandoh in Mandi district, as well as NH-305 near Banjar in Kullu district, bringing traffic to a standstill. While the main route remains closed, an alternative route between Mandi and Kullu via Kamand and Kataula is currently open and being used to divert vehicles. Rescue and road clearance teams have been deployed to restore connectivity, but ongoing rainfall continues to hamper the efforts. As many as 401 roads across the state remain blocked due to landslides triggered by heavy rainfall, according to data released this evening by the State Emergency Operation Centre. Of these, 242 are in Mandi district, 55 in Kullu, 27 each in Shimla and Sirmaur, and 25 in Chamba. The report also noted disruptions to 682 electricity transformers and 151 water supply schemes. In Sirmaur, National Highway (NH) 707 remains blocked near Uttari due to falling debris. Meanwhile, in Solan district, traffic movement was severely disrupted as multiple routes -- including Kotli-Dharampur, Dharampur-Subathu, Dharampur-Kasauli, Jandauri-Pratha-Nabon, Kunihar-Totu, Waknaghat-Mamlig, and Kasauli-Jangeshu -- were hit by landslides following continuous rainfall. Massive traffic jams have been reported on these roads, forcing many travellers to take long detours or cancel their travel plans altogether. Most rivers and rivulets across the state are also in spate, prompting the opening of floodgates at the Larji and Kol dams as a precautionary measure. In response to the rising water levels, the administrations in Mandi and Chamba have also ordered the closure of schools in several areas of the two districts. Flash floods were reported in Churah sub-division of Chamba and Anni sub-division of Kullu following two cloudbursts. Meanwhile, a flood-like situation has emerged in several parts of Seraj in Mandi district, which had already been hit by flash floods on July 1. Continuous rainfall has forced the closure of schools in several parts of Himachal Pradesh, including Thunag sub-division in Mandi, and Kumarsain, Theog, Rohru, Jubbal, and Chopal in Shimla district. In Mandi, a vehicle was buried under a landslide near Thalot, while the Nakrod-Thalli bridge in Chamba district was washed away. In Shimla, the Jubbarhatti road was shut, leaving office-goers stranded for hours. So far this monsoon season, the state has witnessed 34 flash floods, 22 cloudbursts, and 21 landslides, resulting in approximately Rs 1,235 crore in losses. Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Sunday spoke over the phone with the Deputy Commissioners of the affected districts to take stock of the situation caused by the ongoing spell of torrential rains. In light of the prevailing weather conditions, he directed officials to remain on alert and take proactive steps to prevent any untoward incidents. He also urged the public to stay away from rivers and nullahs. People's safety is our foremost priority. I request everyone to avoid going near water bodies and to strictly follow all advisories issued by the district administration, he said. Sukhu emphasised the importance of coordination among departments to ensure timely response in case of emergencies such as landslides, road blockages or flash floods. He directed that proper flow of essential services be ensured so that people do not face any inconvenience in their day to day activities. The chief minister also expressed grief over the death of the newly married couple at Sutaah gram panchayat of Rajnagar in Chamba district.
Couple killed, 471 roads shut as heavy rains hit Himachal Pradesh
The state`s meteorological department has issued a `red` alert for very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall in five of the 12 districts of the state, including Shimla, Kangra, Chamba, Sirmaur and Mandi
As the Parliament session kicks off today, the Congress and INDIA bloc are set to corner the Centre over key national security concerns. Multiple MPs have submitted adjournment notices seeking urgent discussion on the Pahalgam terror attack and Indias military response through Operation Sindoor. They are also demanding clarity on former US President Donald Trumps claims of mediating a ceasefire between India and Pakistan , a move that, if true, could challenge the spirit of the Shimla Agreement. Issues like internal security lapses, strategic disclosures, and alleged voter disenfranchisement in Bihar have also been flagged. The Opposition is expected to press the Prime Minister for answers on all fronts. Monsoon session: Several Congress MPs give notices to discuss Pahalgam attack, Op Sindoor VIDEO | PM Narendra Modi ( @narendramodi ) says, This monsoon session stands as a celebration of triumph. The world has witnessed the strength of Indias military might. The Indian Army achieved complete success in 'Operation Sindoor'. Within just 22 minutes, the homes of key pic.twitter.com/OPwaJ3y2pP Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) July 21, 2025 PM Modi speaks ahead of Monsoon session Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said the Monsoon session of Parliament will showcase pride and national achievement, highlighting Indias strides in defence, economy, and social welfare. Addressing the media ahead of the session, PM Modi pointed to Indias success in Operation Sindoor, saying the military operation demonstrated a new form of Made in India military power to the world. The houses of the masters of terrorists were razed to the ground within 22 minutes. The world is seeing the strength of Indias military resolve, he said, calling the campaign a symbol of 100% mission success. He also noted Indias recent landmark achievement in space, referencing the country's first human step on the International Space Station, calling it another point of national pride. On the domestic front, Modi said India had shed its past tag of being part of the Fragile Five economies and was now on track to becoming the third-largest economy in the world. In 2014, India was ranked 10th globally. Today, it is moving rapidly towards the third position, he said. The Prime Minister highlighted the transformation of internal security as well. Our forces, with new confidence and resolve, are pushing back naxalism. The red corridors are now turning into green growth zones, he said, asserting that the Indian Constitution is triumphing over extremism. On inflation, PM Modi said the country had made significant progress since 2014. There was a time when inflation was in double digits. Today, its around 2%. This has brought great relief to ordinary citizens, he noted, adding that 25 crore people have come out of poverty, a fact appreciated by global institutions. He also spoke about the symbolic significance of the monsoon season. Monsoon is a symbol of innovation and new creation. It brings new energy to agriculture and to the countrys economy, especially the rural and household sectors, he said. Calling it a session of celebration and victory, PM Modi said peace and progress had defined the past decade and reiterated the governments commitment to continue delivering results across sectors.
Monsoon session: Several Congress MPs give notices to discuss Pahalgam attack, Op Sindoor
NEW DELHI: With the Monsoon session of Parliament commencing on Monday, several MPs of the Congress and other opposition parties have given adjournment notices in both houses for a discussion on the Pahalgam attack and Operation Sindoor. The Congress and INDIA bloc parties are seeking to corner the government during this session by raising issues like the Pahalgam attack, Trump's repeated claims of mediating a ceasefire with Pakistan following Operation Sindoor, and the Special Intensive Review of electoral rolls in Bihar, among others. Congress Rajya Sabha member Randeep Surjewala gave a notice under Rule 267 to discuss in the upper house the April 22 terror attack and Operation Sindoor. In his notice, he urged the Chairman to suspended all business of the day as well as the Question Hour to discuss the concerns regarding the attack in Pahalgam and India's response through Operation Sindoor. Another Congress MP Renuka Chowdhury has given an adjournment notice under Rule 267. She sought to discuss the grave lapses in internal security that led to the terror attack, resulting in tragic loss of innocent lives, cross-border terror emanating from Pakistan; and to deliberate on the foreign policy actions of the government following the ceasefire with Pakistan after Operation Sindoor. The matter becomes even more serious in light of former US President Donald Trump's repeated public statements, made 24 times so far, most recently on July 19, claiming that he personally mediated the ceasefire between India and Pakistan and used trade leverage to end hostilities, she said in the notice. Such assertions, if true, would violate the provisions of the Shimla Agreement, which prohibits third-party mediation on India-Pakistan matters. The people of India deserve to know whether the Shimla agreement remains in place or not, she said. Congress deputy leader in the Lok Sabha, Gaurav Gogoi, filed an adjournment notice, demanding a discussion on the Pahalgam attack and Operation Sindoor. I seek to move an adjournment of the business of the House to discuss a matter of urgent national importance: the terror attack in Pahalgam, India's military response through Operation Sindoor, and the political and diplomatic developments that followed, he said. Gogoi said the events that followed Operation Sindoor have raised serious concerns requiring immediate and detailed deliberation in the lower house. First, the sudden announcement of a ceasefire after the operation has created confusion about its terms, timing, and stakeholders. The President of the United States made controversial claims suggesting the ceasefire was externally brokered and that he personally intervened with Pakistan's military leadership. These statements, if unchallenged, risk undermining India's sovereign standing in regional security, he said in the notice. Gogoi also said that the Chief of Defence Staff made public remarks on the nature and location of Operation Sindoor at an international forum, raising questions about the protocols governing strategic disclosures. A comprehensive discussion is essential to uphold democratic accountability, maintain institutional trust, and clarify India's national security and diplomatic posture. I hereby request permission to raise the matter, he said in his notice. Meanwhile, Congress Rajya Sabha MP Naseer Hussain gave a notice to suspend all the business of the house to discuss the issue and concerns arising out of the special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in Bihar ahead of the assembly elections there. He alleged that the ECs plan to conduct a similar exercise nationwide including disenfranchisement of a large section of the poor and marginalised, directly undermine the citizens' right to vote and erode the fairness and integrity of our electoral system. The opposition will be seeking answers from Prime Minister Narendra Modi on all these issues.
Orange alert issued in 2-7 districts of Himachal Pradesh
Shimla, July 20: The local meteorological office on Sunday issued an orange alert for heavy to very heavy rainfall in isolated areas of 2-7 out of the 12 districts in Himachal Pradesh from July 21-23.Heavy to very heavy rains accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning are likely at isolated parts of Una, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Kangra, Mandi, []
Woman marries two brothers in Himachal, keeps polyandry tradition alive
Nahan/Shimla: Two brothers of the Hatti tribe tied the knot to a woman in Shillai village of Himachal Pradesh, with hundreds of people witnessing the marriage solemnised under the anachronistic tradition of polyandry. Bride Sunita Chauhan and grooms Pradeep and Kapil Negi said they took the decision without any pressure. Local folk songs and dances Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Himachal apple growers demand immediate halt to evictions and tree cutting
SHIMLA, July 19: Himachal Apple Producers Association (HP Seb Utpadak Sangh) has intensified its protest against the ongoing eviction drive and cutting of apple orchards on forest land, accusing the state government of ignoring the plight of small farmers and orchardists. A delegation led by the association met Education Minister and Jubbal-Nawar-Kotkhai MLA Rohit Thakur today, submitting a memorandum demanding an immediate halt to the cutting of trees and eviction from houses. Farmers and orchardists from Rohru, Jubbal, Kotkhai, Navar, [] The post Himachal apple growers demand immediate halt to evictions and tree cutting appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Himachal Chief Minister Unfurls 108-Feet Flag At Jakhu Hanuman Temple
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Friday unfurled a 108-feet-tall religious flag (pataka) at the historic Jakhu Hanuman Temple in Shimla.
Himachal: 250 roads closed due to heavy downpour; Met issues orange alert
Shimla, Jul 18: Heavy rains have led to the closure of 250 roads in Himachal Pradesh and the local meteorological office has issued an orange alert of heavy to very heavy rainfall in isolated areas of the state, officials on Friday said. The State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) said that a total of 181 roads are closed in disaster-hit Mandi, 26 in Sirmaur and 23 in Kullu district, while 61 water supply schemes and 81 power distribution transformers were affected [] The post Himachal: 250 roads closed due to heavy downpour; Met issues orange alert appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Himachal: Landslide blocks NH 707; more downpour expected
SHIMLA, July 16: A landslide near Shillai in Himachals Sirmaur district on Wednesday blocked National Highway 707 (Hatkoti to Paonta) as a huge part of the mountain fell, completely blocking vehicular movement. Restoration work is underway, but debris falling from the mountain is obstructing the work, officials said. This has led to long queues of vehicles on both sides of the slide. Nearly 260 roads, including NH 707, are closed in the state, with 140 in disaster-hit Mandi district, [] The post Himachal: Landslide blocks NH 707; more downpour expected appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
After Shimla and Manali this road in Himachal becomes a new tourist spot: Watch viral video
A road in Himachal Pradesh has become a spectacle. Electricity poles stand in the road's center. A viral video highlighted this unusual infrastructure. The video draws comparison with similar incidents. This has triggered online reactions. People are questioning the planning and coordination. The incident raises concerns about government infrastructure projects. It also highlights the need for better inter-departmental communication.
Govt School Teacher In Himachals Shimla Booked For Alleged Sexual Assault Of Minor
A Shimla government school teacher has been booked for allegedly sexually assaulting a sixth-grade student. The victim's mother reported it, and a case was registered.
Four die in Himachal, five in Rajasthan's Kota as rain plays havoc
NEW DELHI: Four people died in Himachal Pradesh as rain continues to wreak havoc in the state, while five were swept away in Rajasthan's Kota at a barrage after a heavy downpour caused the authorities to release water from a reservoir. In Himachal, more than 200 roads are out of bounds for vehicular traffic, a majority of them in Mandi, while a flash flood warning has been issued for 12 districts in Jharkhand. An individual each drowned in Kullu and Kangra districts, one died after being bitten by a snake in Bilaspur, while one was killed after falling from a height, the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) said. Since the onset of monsoon on June 20, 61 people have died in the state in rain-related incidents. In Rajasthan, Khatauli in Kota district recorded 198 mm of rain over 24 hours, the highest in the state. Five youths were swept away in the Chambal River Monday afternoon after the water level suddenly rose following the release of water from 12 gates of the Kota Barrage. The identity of the five missing youths is yet to be confirmed, as the rescued individual is not in a condition to provide detailed information at this stage, Digod Police Station SHO Purshottam Mehta said. Due to continuous rainfall in the region, the authorities opened all 12 gates of the Kota Barrage at 11.30 am on Monday, releasing approximately 2.2692 lakh cusecs of water downstream, said Nisha Sharma, Junior Engineer at Kota Barrage. A met department official said that a circulation system over Madhya Pradesh has intensified into a low-pressure area. Due to the system, parts of Kota, Ajmer, Jodhpur, and Udaipur divisions have seen heavy rain since yesterday. Delhi got a decent drizzle towards the evening, lifting the heavy humid pall it had sweltered under during the day. According to IMD data, Lodhi Road recorded the highest cumulative rainfall at 18.5 mm till 8.30 am on Monday. Pragati Maidan received 24.3 mm of rain, Ayanagar, 15.5 mm, Safdarjung, 15.8 mm, and Palam, 8.5 mm. In Himachal Pradesh, 208 roads, including 157 in the disaster-hit Mandi district, are closed for vehicular traffic, while 745 water supply schemes and 139 power distribution transformers were affected. The local Met office has issued an Orange alert of heavy to very heavy rain in Kangra, Mandi and Sirmaur on Monday, and Shimla, Solan, and Sirmaur on Tuesday. It issued a Yellow alert, meaning heavy rain, for at least three of the 12 districts till Friday. In Odisha, the weather department forecasted heavy rainfall in 19 of the 30 districts, as a low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal intensified into a well-marked system. The India Meteorological Department cautioned fishermen not to venture into the sea for the next 24 hours in the north Bay of Bengal, as squally winds, blowing at 40-50 kmph, gusting to 60 kmph, were likely to prevail along and off north Odisha. A red warning was issued for extremely heavy rain, above 20 centimetres, in Mayurbhanj, Keonhar and Sundargarh. Dhenkanal, Jajpur, Kendrapara, Bhadrak and Balasore were predicted to receive 12 cm to 20 cm of rain. The remaining districts were forecasted to witness 7-11 cm of precipitation. Kolkata is likely to experience spells of light to moderate rain or thundershowers over the next 24 hours. Light to moderate rain is likely across South Bengal districts, as a cyclonic circulation over the Bay of Bengal is set to intensify into a low-pressure area within the next 24 hours, according to the Regional Meteorological Centre here. In Jharkhand, a flash flood warning was issued for Bokaro, East Singhbhum, Garhwa, Gumla, Khunti, Latehar, Lohardaga, Palamu, Ranchi, Saraikela, Simdega, and West Singhbhum districts till 11.30 am on Tuesday. Surface runoff and inundation may occur in some low-lying areas, the IMD said. A Red alert was sounded for heavy to extremely heavy rain in Saraikela-Kharswan, East Singhbhum, and West Singhbhum districts, and an Orange alert for Gumla, Khunti, and Simdega districts till 8.30 am on Tuesday. The weather office has issued a Yellow alert for heavy rain in Ranchi, Lohardaga, Ramgarh, Bokaro, Dhanbad, Jamtara, Hazaribag, Giridih, Koderma, and Deoghar till 8.30 am tomorrow. Ranchi Meteorological Centre Deputy Director Abhishek Anand said the state is likely to experience widespread rainfall till July 17 under the influence of a depression and monsoon trough.
Met issues `orange` alert for heavy rains in three Himachal districts
According to the weather department, heavy to very heavy showers are likely to occur at isolated locations in Kangra, Mandi, and Sirmaur on Monday, and in Shimla, Solan, and Sirmaur on Tuesday
Assets Worth Over Rs 200 Crore Attached In Manav Bharti University Fake Degree Scam
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) in Shimla has provisionally attached seven immovable properties worth Rs 1.74 crore (as per sale deed value) under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002.
Yellow Alert, Flash Flood Warning Issued As Rain Batters Himachal; Landslide On Badrinath Route
The weather department has sounded alert for Shimla, Manali, Kullu and other districts of Himachal Pradesh.
Nadda visits disaster-hit Mandi in HP, says Centre taking all steps to to provide relief
SHIMLA, Jul 9 : The Union government will leave no stone unturned to provide relief to the disaster-affected people of Himachal Pradeshs Mandi and rehabilitate them, BJP president JP Nadda said on Wednesday after visiting the areas ravaged by cloudbursts, flash floods and landslides. Fifteen people died and five were injured while a search is on to trace the 27 people who went missing after 10 cloudbursts, followed by flash floods and landslide hit Mandi region on the intervening night [] The post Nadda visits disaster-hit Mandi in HP, says Centre taking all steps to to provide relief appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Bomb hoax emails trigger evacuation of court complexes across Himachal Pradesh
CHANDIGARH: Panic gripped several district court complexes in Himachal Pradesh on Tuesday after anonymous emails threatened to blow up the premises in Shimla, Nahan, Kullu, and Rampur. The threats led to the immediate evacuation of court buildings and a full-scale security response. However, no explosives were found, and court proceedings later resumed. According to sources, the email received by the district court in Shimla claimed that explosives had been planted on the premises and warned of imminent Improvised Explosive Device (IED) and suicide bomb attacks. In response, bomb disposal squads, sniffer dogs, and police personnel carried out a thorough search of the premises. The entire complex was evacuated as a precaution. Similar threat emails were also received at the District and Sessions Court complexes in Kullu and Nahan. These buildings were also evacuated, and extensive searches were conducted, but no suspicious materials were discovered. Staff, lawyers, and members of the public were safely escorted from all affected premises. Kullu Superintendent of Police, Karthikeyan Gokulachandran, stated that the local police are working in coordination with the cybercrime unit to trace the origin of the emails. Security has been tightened across the district, particularly at key government buildings, he said. Shimla SP Sanjeev Kumar Gandhi confirmed that multiple locations, including Rampur, received similar email threats. Preventative measures were immediately undertaken, and police teams, led by DSP-level officers, were dispatched to the sites, he said. The Himachal Pradesh Police are also liaising with other states that have recently experienced similar threats. The Nahan Court Complex in Sirmaur district was also evacuated after receiving a threat email in the morning. Panic spread quickly, but authorities managed the evacuation in an orderly fashion. An official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the emails had been sent using a Virtual Private Network (VPN), complicating efforts to identify the sender. The states cyber cell has been tasked with tracking the origin and determining the credibility of the threats. This is not the first time such hoax threats have disrupted official functioning in Himachal Pradesh. In recent months, similar email threats were sent to the Chief Secretarys Office at the Himachal Pradesh Secretariat, as well as to the offices of the Deputy Commissioners of Mandi, Chamba, and Hamirpur. One of the emails even threatened a suicide bombing at the Himachal Pradesh High Court. Authorities have reassured the public that the situation is under control and that all necessary precautions are being taken to ensure the safety and security of public institutions.
We share a border with Tibet, not China: Arunachal CM Pema Khandu counters Beijings claims
NEW DELHI: Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu has shown that two can play that game when it comes to name mangling. In a subtle geopolitical mic drop, Khandu said during an interview with PTI Videos that his state does not share a border with China. If that sounds factually ignorant, think again. In fact, the 1,200 km international border in Arunachal Pradesh is with Tibet, not with China, he pointed out to the interviewer. Touche! His statement comes amidst sensitivities surrounding the region and China's assertive claims over Arunachal Pradesh as well as its frequent renaming of places in the state. When suggested that Arunachal Pradesh shares a 1,200 km border with China, Khandu quickly intervened and said, Let me correct you here. We share a border with Tibet and not China. Officially, Tibet is under China now. That can't be ruled out. But originally, we share a border with Tibet. And in Arunachal Pradesh, we share three international boundaries -- with Bhutan, approximately 150 km, with Tibet, around 1,200 km, which is one of the longest in the country, and on the eastern side, with Myanmar, around 550 km, he said. The chief minister insisted that no state in India directly shares a border with China, only with Tibet, and that region was forcibly occupied by China in the 1950s. Khandu said historical facts back the fact it was an Indo-Tibet border and referred to the Shimla Convention of 1914 in which representatives of British India, China and Tibet participated. On China's habit of giving its own names to places in Arunachal Pradesh, he said the neighbouring country has renamed places not once but five times. I think the last time they renamed many places in Arunachal... if I am not mistaken, I think this was their fifth attempt in total. So it is not surprising for us. We know China's habit, and I think officially the MEA has dealt with it and has given them a reply, he said.
25-Year-Old Man Rapes Grandmother At Her House In Shimla, Arrested
A 25-year-old man allegedly raped his 65-year-old grandmother in Shimla. The incident was reported by the victim, leading to the man's arrest. The case is under investigation.
Sharp decline in yield as mysterious fungal infection hits apple crops in Himachal Pradesh
CHANDIGARH: The torrential rains and the harsh weather have impacted the apple industry of the state as a severe fungal disease has hit the apple plants, causing apple leaves to turn yellow and fall prematurely, leading to a sharp decline in yield. It is estimated that around 35 to 40 per cent of apple trees in each orchard are affected. The size and quality of the fruit are likely to be impacted. After Kashmir, the hill state is the second largest producer of apples in the country, with a substantial market share of around 25 per cent. The apple industry in the state amounts to Rs 5,000 crore. Talking to TNIE , Harish Chauhan, a leading apple grower and the convener of the Kisan Samyukt Manch, said, The teams of experts from the Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry at Nauni will assess the damage and check which fungal infection has hit the apple crop. The teams are visiting today and tomorrow at different apple orchards, but we estimate that around 35 to 40 per cent apple trees in each orchard are affected by the fungal infection, he added. He claimed that this year, it is suspected that Alternaria leaf spot fungal infection has hit the apple crop, as Alternaria blotch primarily damages leaves of apple plants, resulting in premature defoliation and damage to fruit. Due to this fungal infection, the size of the apple remains small. The quality is bad, and there is a decline in the yield. This fungus spreads in the apple crop due to high rainfall and high moisture levels, said Chauhan. The delegation of apple growers had yesterday met the Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and apprised him of this fast-spreading disease and he ordered the university to dispatch teams of experts to the affected areas immediately, Chauhan added. He said the same fungal infection affected the apple crops in 2023 when the state was devastated by natural calamities due to heavy monsoons. The same disease affected the apples on a large scale but at a lesser magnitude. The other problem is of the fungicides being used by the apple growers to control the fungal diseases, as many of them are at times duplicate and their residue period is of 10 to 15 days only, we demand a proper check on this, said Chauhan. Meanwhile, Dr Usha Sharma, a senior scientist of the Krishi Vigyan Kendra at Shimla said that alternaria and other leaf-spot diseases had attacked several orchards in the main apple belt of Kotkhai, Jubbal and Rohru. She said that the disease was more severe in orchards where the leaves of the plants had become vulnerable due to mite infestation or other factors such as canker, root disease or unbalanced use of fertilizers. A delegation of apple growers called Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu yesterday and apprised him of a new disease rapidly spreading in apple orchards, causing significant damage to their crops. The delegation urged Sukhu to take prompt action to investigate and control this issue. Chief Minister Sukhu spoke with the Vice Chancellor of Dr. Y.S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni over the phone and directed him to dispatch the expert teams of the University to the affected areas without any delay. He instructed that the disease be scientifically investigated and that orchardists be educated on preventive and control measures on the ground. Sukhu emphasized that the disease was spreading rapidly and causing financial losses to the growers and it was imperative to address the situation swiftly. He asked the Vice Chancellor to submit a detailed report to the state government within seven days so that the appropriate measures could be taken at the earliest.
Raipur Diary | Investment in aerospace, defence and space
Mineral and agriculture-rich Chhattisgarh looks to be the new bastion of technological innovation and strategic industries. Under its new industrial development policy for 2024-30, the state has taken momentous decisions to attract investment in strategic sectors, including defence, aerospace, and space technology. These decisions include state GST reimbursement of up to 100%, as well as substantial subsidies and other facilities. The Cabinet has announced a separate industrial incentive package for these advanced technologies, cited as a decisive step towards encouraging the establishment and expansion of cutting-edge industries. MoU on multiple projects to boost growth In an MoU with the government, Jindal Steel Chhattisgarh Ltd proposes to invest Rs 1,05,358 crore for multiple projects in Raigarh. The projects aim to drive economic growth, generating employment and fostering sustainable industrial development. They include a 500-MW solar power plant, a 2,400-MW thermal power plant, and a steel plant with an annual capacity of 7.5 million tons. These are vital for manufacturing, infrastructure, and energy generation, driving the states economic growth. The new industrial policy has attracted encouraging investment proposals from several key conglomerates across diverse sectors. Sarguja Collector bans alcohol for BJP session The Sarguja collector does not wish to take chances on the matter of law and order during the BJPs ongoing three-day training session, from July 7, for its elected MPs and MLAs at Mainpat in his district. So, he issued a strict order to ban the sale, transport and serving of liquor in Mainpat, which is 350 km north of Raipur, for three days. Collector Vilas Bhoskar stated he took the decision given the arrival of high-profile visitors and dignitaries from the Centre and the state to the town, which is known as the Shimla of Chhattisgarh. There will be 12 sessions during the three-day event, which party chief JP Nadda and Union Home Minister Amit Shah will also attend. Ejaz Kaiser Our correspondent in Chhattisgarh ejaz@newindianexpress.com
CHANDIGARH: As heavy rains continue to lash Himachal Pradesh, the local meteorological department on Tuesday issued a warning stating that there is a risk of low to moderate flash floods in the next twenty four hours in parts of seven districts including Chamba, Kangra, Mandi, Kullu, Shimla, Solan and Sirmaur. A 'yellow' alert warning of heavy rains in isolated places across the state till next Monday has also been issued. The state has received 203.2 mm of rain against the normal of 152.6 mm from June 1 to July 8. Monsoon arrived in Himachal Pradesh on June 20. While Mandi district recorded 110 per cent excess rain, Shimla received 89 per cent and Una 86 per cent during this period. Many parts of the hill state have been receiving moderate to heavy rain since Monday evening. Meanwhile Gohar has recorded 85 mm of rainfall, followed by 84.5 mm in Sarahan, 60 mm in Baijnath, 54.2 mm in Nahan, 48 mm in Poanta Sahib, 46.2 mm in Naina Devi, 37 mm in Kasauli, 28 mm in Jogindernagar and 27.2 mm in Palampur. As per the data with the State Emergency Operation Centre in Mandi district, 14 people have lost their lives, four injured, 28 missing and 290 rescued, while 466 houses have been damaged and 477 people are in relief camps. A total of 225 roads, including 153 in the worst-hit Mandi district, have been closed, while 163 transformers and 174 water supply schemes have been affected in the state. 23 flash floods, 19 cloudbursts and 16 landslides have been recorded since the onset of monsoon on June 20. Since then, 85 deaths were recorded in the state, of which 52 were due to rain-related incidents and 28 fatalities were caused by road accidents. In Mandi district, search and rescue operations have been intensified as drones and sniffer dogs are being used to trace 28 people who went missing last week in Thunag, Gohar and Karsog subdivisions. So far, the estimated losses due to rains stand at around Rs 692 crore.
Himachal rains: Rescue operations on to trace 30 missing after cloudbursts, landslides in Mandi
SHIMLA: Search and rescue operations are underway with drones and sniffer dogs being used to trace 30 people who went missing after cloudbursts, flash floods and landslides wreaked havoc in the Thunag, Gohar and Karsog subdivisions of Mandi district last week, officials said on Monday. About 250 personnel from the National and State Disaster Response Forces, Army, Indo-Tibetan Border Police and Home Guards, along with the administration and locals, are undertaking the search and rescue work. Besides, 20 teams are gathering information and distributing ration and medical kits in inaccessible areas, officials said. So far, 1,538 ration kits have been distributed to the affected people and immediate relief of Rs 12.44 lakh has been provided. An additional Rs 5 lakh each is being sent to the Thunag and Janjheli areas, they added. About 225 houses, seven shops, 243 cattle sheds, 31 vehicles, 14 bridges and several roads were damaged in the disaster. A total of 215 cattle have perished, while 494 people have been rescued, as per the latest report. Till Sunday evening, 243 roads were closed in the state, of which 183 are in Mandi district alone. Additionally, 241 transformers and 278 water supply schemes were affected in Himachal Pradesh, according to the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC), the officials said. Meanwhile, light to moderate rain lashed parts of the state. Nangal Dam received 56 mm of rain, followed by Olinda (46 mm), Berthin (44.6 mm), Una (43 mm), Naina Devi (36.4 mm), Gohar (29 mm) and Brahmani (28.4 mm). The local Met office has issued a yellow warning of heavy rain at isolated places in the state till July 10 (Thursday). The estimated losses due to the rains so far stand at around Rs 572 crore, as per the SEOC, though the chief minister maintained the figure was close to Rs 700 crore as data was still being compiled. Since the onset of the monsoon on June 20, the state has reported 78 deaths, of which 50 were linked to rain-related incidents such as cloudbursts, flash floods and landslides. As many as 121 people have sustained injuries so far. Himachal government to provide Rs 5000 as monthly rent for families affected in recent rain-related calamities
RAIPUR: The Sarguja collector in Chhattisgarh has issued an order imposing a total ban on the sale, transport and serving of liquor at Mainpat, about 350 km north of Raipur. A three-day training camp for the state BJPs MPs and MLAs began here on Monday. Collector Vilas Bhoskarkept in mind the issue of law & order and public peace, while placing the directive. The district magistrate stated that the decision has been taken keeping in view the arrival of high-profile visitors, dignitaries from the Centre and the state at Ropakhar in Mainpat, which is also cited as Shimla of Chhattisgarh. Owing to the visit of central and state-level special dignitaries and guests, a dry day will be strictly imposed from July 7 till 2 PM on July 9, considering the preparatory measures on law & order and public peace in the region, the order stated. The structured sessions harmonising the practical strategies with the ideals of the BJP will be addressed by the party president JP Nadda on the opening day. All Members of Parliament, legislators and ministers will attend the party's training camp, where, besides the elected members, the senior leaders will be guided on sharpening strategy politically, digital outreach, an emphasis on achieving good governance among other things, a senior BJP functionary said. Union Home Minister Amit Shah is expected to attend the session on the final day.
SHIMLA: Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Sunday urged the Centre to explore the feasibility of opening the Shipki-La route in the state for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. In a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the chief minister mentioned that Shipki-La region has served as a vital Indo-Tibetan trade route, predating modern borders. He said that it has also been a cultural corridor for Tibetan Buddhism and ancient pilgrimage paths reflecting India's enduring civilizational ties to Kailash and Mansarovar. Kinnaur region of Himachal Pradesh being semi-arid and situated in a rain shadow zone like Spiti, is less prone to monsoon disruptions which keeps the route accessible for most of the year. The path from Shipki-La via Gartok towards Darchen and Mansarovar is comparatively shorter on the Tibetan side. Shipki-La also offers a more stable and unambiguous corridor, making it well suited as a long-term, dependable corridor for pilgrimage and cross-border connectivity, he said. The chief minister also noted that Himachal Pradesh already has road connectivity up to Shipki-La via Rampur and Pooh. With focused development of base camps and supporting infrastructure, this route can be seamlessly integrated into the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra framework. The opening of this route would significantly contribute to the socio-economic upliftment of the tribal people of Kinnaur, aligning with the government's vision for border development and tourism promotion under the Vibrant Village Programme, he said. The CM said that the state government would extend all logistical and administrative coordination to the Central Government if the Shipki-La route is opened for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.
Congress wont return to power in 20 years if relief work goes on like this: Kangana in Mandi
Shimla, Jul 6: BJP Lok Sabha MP from Mandi, Kangana Ranaut, on Sunday visited her rain-ravaged constituency and asserted that the way relief work is being undertaken, the Congress will not return to power in the state in even 20 years. She also said that as an MP, she could only apprise the prime minister of the situation. I am deeply pained to see the plight of the people. They have lost family members, houses have been washed away, several [] The post Congress wont return to power in 20 years if relief work goes on like this: Kangana in Mandi appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
HP: Met issues red alert for extremely heavy rains in 3 districts on Sunday, about 240 roads closed
An 'orange' warning for heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated places has been issued for Una, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Chamba, Solan, Shimla and Kullu districts
Red alert issued in Himachal Pradesh for Sunday
It also warned of low to moderate flash-flood risk in parts of five districts of Chamba, Kangra, Mandi, Shimla and Sirmaur in the next 24 hours
Enduring symbol of love and compassion: Modi wishes Dalai Lama on 90th birthday
Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed birthday wishes to the Dalai Lama on his 90th birthday, acknowledging him as a symbol of love, compassion, and moral discipline. Special prayers were offered by Tibetan Buddhist monks in exile at the Dorjidak Monastery near Shimla.
On the occassion of 90th birthday of 14th Dalai Lama, Tibetan Buddhist monks living in exile offered special prayers at the Dorjidak Monastery near Shimla at Panthaghati. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also extended birthday greetings.
All 4 NH projects to be completed by 2028, Central funds not being fully utilised by HP: Nadda
Shimla, Jul 5: The construction of three out of four National Highways is in an advanced stage in Himachal Pradesh and major works would be completed in the next two years, Union Health Minister J P Nadda said in Bilaspur on Saturday. About 2,593 km long, four National Highways are being constructed in the state at an estimated cost of about Rs 38,000 crore. Addressing reporters, Nadda also lashed out at the state government for not utilising the funds allocated [] The post All 4 NH projects to be completed by 2028, Central funds not being fully utilised by HP: Nadda appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
72 dead, 37 missing as Monsoon fury continues in Himachal
Shimla, July 5: Relentless rains, landslides, and flash floods have left 72 people dead with and 37 still missing in Himachal Pradesh, according to the latest figures from the State Emergency Operation Centre. Another 113 persons have been injured, while 27 deaths have occurred in road accidents since the beginning of the monsoon season. The [] The post 72 dead, 37 missing as Monsoon fury continues in Himachal appeared first on Northlines .
During college, this actor did theatre for five years and even performed at the famous Gaiety Theatre in Shimla. To support himself, he sang at weddings and on trains.
Monsoon Fury leaves 69 dead, 37 missing in Himachal
SHIMLA, July 4 : Torrential rains and landslides across Himachal Pradesh have claimed 69 lives so far, with 37 people still missing, while the number of injured has risen to 110, according to official data from the State Emergency Operation Centre. The disaster has left a trail of destruction across several districts, triggering flash floods, slope failures, and infrastructure collapse. The worst-affected district, Mandi, reported 20 deaths, while Kangra recorded 13, followed by Chamba (7), Shimla (5), and Una (5). [] The post Monsoon Fury leaves 69 dead, 37 missing in Himachal appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
63 dead, dozens missing as Monsoon triggers devastation across Himachal Pradesh
SHIMLA, July 4: At least 63 people have died and dozens are missing as relentless monsoon rains continue to wreak havoc across Himachal Pradesh, triggering flash floods, landslides, and cloudbursts, officials confirmed Thursday. A heavy rain alert remains in effect across all districts until Monday, July 7, with authorities intensifying relief, rescue, and restoration efforts, [] The post 63 dead, dozens missing as Monsoon triggers devastation across Himachal Pradesh appeared first on Northlines .
Death toll in Mandi cloudburst mounts to 14; search on for 31 missing
SHIMLA, Jul 3 : With the recovery of one more body, the death toll in the cloudburst and flash flood-related incidents in Mandi has mounted to 14, officials said on Thursday. Five people were injured, while a search is underway for 31 missing, they said. The latest body, yet to be identified, was found in Rode in the Thunag subdivision of the district. Ten cloudbursts, three flash floods and a landslide were witnessed in different parts of Mandi on Tuesday. [] The post Death toll in Mandi cloudburst mounts to 14; search on for 31 missing appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Video: Landslide hits Shimla's Lindi Dhar village; monsoon mayhem continues across Himachal Pradesh
Himachal Pradesh is grappling with relentless monsoon rains, triggering a landslide in Lindi Dhar village, Shimla. The state has reported at least 51 deaths since June 20 due to floods, landslides, and road accidents. Mandi district is severely affected, with 13 fatalities and 29 missing after cloudbursts and flash floods.
Jindal is recognised as one of the country's dedicated officers, having earned his position through hard work and perseverance.
CHANDIGARH: A day after a case was registered against Himachal Pradesh Panchayati Raj Minister Anirudh Singh for allegedly assaulting and threatening two officials of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), the minister has denied the allegations and demanded a high-level inquiry into alleged irregularities in road construction in the state. Singh, addressing the media on Tuesday, claimed that the First Information Report (FIR) against him was a deliberate attempt to divert attention from the Bhattakuffar building collapse in Shimla, which he alleged occurred due to the NHAIs negligence and excessive hill-cutting during ongoing construction. He strongly denied all allegations, stating, A case does not make one guilty. The minister alleged widespread malpractice and corruption among NHAI officials, accusing them of colluding with private contractors and using substandard materials. He claimed that over 700 complaints have been submitted to Sub-Divisional Magistrates (SDMs) and Deputy Commissioners in Shimla alone, but no concrete action has been taken. Himachal Minister Anirudh Singh booked for alleged assault on NHAI officials following building collapse The NHAI is digging beyond the acquired land, Singh said. In Bhattakuffar, a building collapsed on June 30, and eight other buildings have been damaged and had to be vacated. The quality of construction is highly questionable. Referring to Union Minister Nitin Gadkaris comments condemning the alleged assault, Singh stated that Gadkari was not fully informed about the ground situation. He added that he plans to meet Gadkari soon to highlight the alleged corrupt practices of NHAI officials and urge the Central Government to frame a compensation policy for those affected by substandard and negligent construction. He also expressed concern about dangerous slope cutting practices in areas like Shimla-Parwanoo, Mandi, Kangra, and Jogindernagar, claiming that slopes are being cut at near-vertical 90-degree angles, while retaining walls are only 8 to 10 feet high leading to frequent landslides and structural damage. The case against Singh was filed at Dhalli Police Station under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including Section 132 (voluntarily causing hurt), 121(1) (assault or use of criminal force to deter a public servant from discharging duty), 126(5) (wrongful restraint or confinement by a public servant), 352 (assault otherwise than on grave provocation), and 3(2) (liability of abettors in acts committed with common intention). The complaint was lodged by Achal Jindal Singh, who alleged that the minister assaulted him and his colleague, site engineer Yogesh Verma, inside a room in Bhattakuffar, Chamyana. According to Jindal, they had been summoned under the pretext of a meeting but were instead physically attacked. The alleged assault incident occurred shortly after a multi-storey building collapsed in Chamyana, reportedly due to ongoing four-lane highway construction by NHAI. Meanwhile, two more FIRs have been registered against NHAI and private contractor Gawar Construction Company by residents of Chamyana, alleging unscientific and negligent construction. Locals claim that their houses are now at risk due to the ongoing roadwork. Earlier, another case was filed against the same company and the NHAI following a complaint by Ranjana Verma, whose multi-storey house collapsed on Monday, citing similar allegations of negligence. As investigations continue on both sides, tensions remain high in the region, with residents and political figures alike calling for accountability and transparency in infrastructure development projects.
CHANDIGARH: With the recovery of five more bodies, the death toll in the three flash floods triggered by sixteen cloudbursts has now reached ten, with 34 people still missing in the Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh. Meanwhile, at least 370 people have been evacuated from affected areas in Mandi, Chamba, and Hamirpur districts of the state, as authorities continue search operations for the missing and work to restore blocked routes. The total damage to property in the hill state this monsoon season has so far been estimated at Rs 371.42 crore. Two bodies were recovered in Siyanj, Gohar, and one each in Thunag, Dhar Jarol, and Pandeev Sheel areas. The identities of the deceased have not yet been disclosed. The cloudbursts were reported at four locations in Gohar, three in Karsog, two in Dharampur, and one in Thunag, Mandi. As per the report from the Himachal Pradesh State Emergency Operations Centre, in the last thirty-two hours, the death toll has reached ten, all in Mandi district. Five individuals are injured, 34 people are missing, and 11 remain stranded. A total of 370 people have been evacuated, 316 from Mandi district, 51 from Hamirpur, and three from Chamba. Five dead, 16 missing, 332 rescued following flash floods in Mandi district in Himachal Additionally, 30 animals have died, and one hydroelectricity project has been damaged. A total of 24 houses, 12 cowsheds, one hydroelectricity project, and one bridge have sustained damage. Across the state, 282 roads are currently closed, 182 in Mandi, 37 in Kullu, 33 in Shimla, 12 in Sirmaur, six in Chamba, five in Hamirpur, three each in Kangra and Una, and one in Solan. Moreover, 1,361 electricity transformers and 639 water supply schemes have been disrupted. Two teams each from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), along with police and home guards, are actively engaged in search and rescue operations in the district. According to the State Emergency Operations Centre, at least 51 people have lost their lives and 22 others are missing, while 103 have been injured since June 20 following the onset of the monsoon. These rain-related incidents include flash floods, drowning, electrocution, falls from steep rocks, snake bites, and road accidents. A total of 204 houses, including 22 that were fully damaged (both pucca and kaccha structures), along with 84 shops, cowsheds, and labour huts, have also been damaged. The loss to private property is estimated at Rs 88.03 lakh, while damage to public infrastructure is far more extensive, amounting to Rs 283.39 crore, bringing the total estimated damage to Rs 371.42 crore. Meanwhile, light to moderate rainfall continues in several regions of the state.
Congress Decisions Taken At Dining Table, BJP Follows Inner Party Democracy: Dr Jitendra
SHIMLA, Jul 1: Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh today took a veiled swipe at the Congress, stating that decisions in Congress are taken at the dining table, often by mother and son, while the BJP follows inner party democracy where no one can predict who will be the next president. If internal democracy is being upheld anywhere today, it is in the BJP, he said. Addressing the BJP Sangathan Parv here, Dr Jitendra Singh, in a speech, infused with political [] The post Congress Decisions Taken At Dining Table, BJP Follows Inner Party Democracy: Dr Jitendra appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
CHANDIGARH: Himachal Pradesh Panchayati Raj and Rural Development Minister Anirudh Singh has been booked by the state police on charges of allegedly assaulting and threatening two officials of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) in Shimla. The incident occurred soon after a multi-storeyed building collapsed at Chamyana in Shimla, allegedly due to ongoing four-lane construction work. The case has been registered under Sections 132 (voluntarily causing hurt), 121(1) (assault or use of criminal force to deter a public servant from discharging official duty), 126(5) (wrongful restraint or confinement by a public servant or in the course of official proceedings), 352 (assault or criminal force otherwise than on grave provocation), and 3(2) (liability of abettors when the act is committed by several persons in furtherance of common intention) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) at Dhalli police station. The police have launched an investigation into the matter. The complainant, Achal Jindal Singh, alleged that the minister assaulted him and his colleague inside a room at Bhattakuffar in Chamyana, where the building had collapsed the previous day. Jindal claimed that he and site engineer Yogesh Verma were summoned under the pretext of a meeting but were instead assaulted. The minister Anirudh Singh took both of us to a nearby room and started assaulting us in front of others. He hit a water earthen pot on my head, causing bleeding. When my colleague Yogesh Verma tried to intervene, he attacked him too. We somehow managed to escape as no one from the administration came to our rescue, the complaint stated. He further mentioned that he and his colleague drove to the Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC) and Hospital for treatment. Sources said that as per the FIR, information about the collapsed building was sought from the complainant, which he furnished. However, he alleged that Singh used abusive language against him and then called him and his colleague into a room where they were beaten up. Despite repeated attempts, the minister was not available for comment. Both officials were admitted to IGMC in Shimla and their medical reports are awaited. Meanwhile, the NHAI Employees Association condemned the alleged assault and sought the intervention of Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari. Gadkari wrote on X, The heinous assault on Shri Achal Jindal, Manager, NHAI PIU Shimla, allegedly by the Minister of Panchayati Raj, Himachal Pradesh, and his associates, is deeply reprehensible and an affront to the rule of law. Such a brutal attack on a public servant performing his official duties not only endangers individual safety but also erodes institutional integrity. I have taken serious cognisance of the matter and spoken with the Chief Minister Shri @SukhuSukhvinder ji urging immediate and exemplary action against all perpetrators. Accountability must prevail, and justice must be delivered without delay. Leader of Opposition and former Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur demanded that Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu should dismiss Singh from the cabinet. This type of anarchy will not be tolerated. The attack on NHAI officers in the presence of a minister and officials is an example of the declining law and order in the state, he said. Thakur further stated that both NHAI officials were called to the spot in the presence of the minister, police, and administrative officials and were then beaten up in a closed room. He alleged that it was shameful the assault took place in front of a senior administrative officer and police personnel, and the victims were not even taken to the hospital.
Nitin Gadkari condemns alleged assault on NHAI official by Himachal minister; demands CM action
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari strongly condemned the assault on Achal Jindal, an NHAI project manager in Shimla, calling it a threat to public institutions and the rule of law. Gadkari has spoken with Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, urging swift and decisive action against those responsible.
Beat me with water pitcher: NHAI manager accuses Himachal Pradesh minister of assault
Achal Jindal, NHAI Manager (Technical), has filed a police complaint alleging that Himachal Pradesh Minister Anirudh Singh and his supporters physically assaulted him and his colleague Yogesh during an inspection at Bhattakuffer, Shimla city, on ...
Red alert for heavy rainfall shuts schools in four Himachal districts; 44 dead this monsoon
CHANDIGARH: A red alert for heavy to very heavy rainfall across several parts of Himachal Pradesh has prompted the state government to announce the closure of all educational institutions, including schools and colleges, in four districts Kangra, Mandi, Sirmaur, and Solan. In a separate incident, a five-storey building collapsed in the Bhattakufar area of Shimla early today. Fortunately, there were no casualties as the building had been evacuated the previous night. According to the State Emergency Operation Centre, one person each drowned in Una and Bilaspur districts, while another died after falling from a height in Shimla. As of this evening, 259 roads remain blocked across the state 139 in Mandi, 92 in Sirmaur, 20 in Kullu, four in Una, three in Solan, and one in Kinnaur district. In addition, 614 electricity transformers and 130 water supply schemes have been disrupted. Three people died in the last 24 hours, taking the total monsoon-related death toll in the state to 44 so far, and 82 have been injured. The causes of death include flash floods (8), drowning (6), snake bites (2), electrocution (2), falling from steep rocks (4), and road accidents (21). Shimla: Pedestrains amid rainfall, in Shimla, Monday, June 30, 2025. A landslide near Koti on the Shimla-Kalka National Highway (NH-5), which connects Shimla and Chandigarh, damaged sections of the road, resulting in a traffic jam stretching two to three kilometres. The collapse of the Bhattakufar building was captured on video and widely circulated on social media. The footage shows the building initially upright, before a widening crack leads to its sudden and complete collapse, while heavy rainfall continues in the background. In response to the worsening situation, State Revenue, Horticulture and Tribal Development Minister Jagat Singh Negi chaired a high-level meeting today to review monsoon preparedness. Officials from the Public Works Department, Jal Shakti, Electricity Board, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Revenue, and other departments participated. Four hydroelectric projects shut down, train services on Shimla-Kalka line suspended following heavy rain in Himachal During the meeting, it was reported that heavy rainfall had particularly impacted Kangra and Mandi districts, with machinery already deployed for emergency response. The Himachal Pradesh Electricity Board confirmed disruptions to 968 transformers due to adverse weather, with restoration work underway. Likewise, 23 drinking water schemes under the Jal Shakti department were affected, and efforts are ongoing to restore services swiftly. A flash flood was also reported from Sarpara in Rampur, though no casualties have been recorded there. Negi directed the Disaster Management Authority to respond promptly to all incidents. Noting the presence of large dams in Mandi, Kullu, and Kangra, he instructed Deputy Commissioners of these districts to maintain heightened vigilance. Any violation of safety protocols will be dealt with strictly under the Dam Safety Act and the Disaster Management Act. He also urged tourists to heed weather advisories and avoid venturing near rivers and streams. Sub-Divisional Magistrates (SDMs) across the state have been instructed to remain alert and ready to act.
Shimla rain: Five-storey building collapses in Shimla, landslips block highways at multiple places
A five-storey building collapsed in Bhattakufer in the suburbs of Shimla on Monday, June 30, morning, while several cows from a shed washed away in the cloudburst in Rampur.
Monsoon Havoc in Himachal: Building Collapses, Landslides Block Roads
Shimla five-storey building caves in; cloudburst damages homes, cowsheds in Rampur as rain triggers widespread destruction
Monsoon fury: Five-storey building collapses in Shimla, landslides block highways at multiple places
Heavy monsoon rains in Himachal Pradesh triggered widespread destruction on Monday. A five-story building collapsed in Shimla due to land sliding, prompting evacuations. Cloudbursts in Rampur washed away cowsheds and livestock. Landslides blocked the Shimla-Chandigarh highway, causing traffic disruptions. The weather department has issued alerts for flash floods and heavy rains, forecasting continued wet conditions in the state.
Heavy rainfall has caused significant damage across several parts of Himachal Pradesh, with incidents of landslides, waterlogging, and disrupted connectivity being reported from multiple districts.
Watch: 5-storey building collapses in Shimla; no casualties reported
A five-storey building in Shimla's Mathu Colony, near Chamyana Super Specialty Hospital, collapsed due to incessant rain. Videos circulating on social media captured the rapid collapse of the structure. Fortunately, the building was vacant, and no casualties were reported. The meteorological department has issued a red alert for Himachal Pradesh for the next three days.
Building Collapses In Shimla Day After Evacuation; Locals Blame Construction Of Four-Lane Road
Preliminary reports suggest that the cracks developed due to the ongoing four-lane road construction in the area
HP landslides, flash floods block highways and heritage tracks
Heavy rainfall in Himachal Pradesh triggered landslides and flash floods, disrupting transportation and claiming lives. The Chandigarh-Shimla highway and Kalka-Shimla railway line were blocked, with multiple districts experiencing road closures and train disruptions. A red alert has been issued, with authorities reporting 20 monsoon-related deaths since June 20.
CHANDIGARH: Four Hydroelectric projects with a combined capacity of more than 1,400 MW have completely shut down in Himachal Pradesh due to high silt levels after the cloudburst on June 25. The cloudburst unleashed floods across remote Sainj valley in Kullu district of the State, crippling nearly the entire hydropower corridor. The rail services on the Shimla-Kalka rail line, a UNESCO world heritage site were suspended after boulders and trees fell on the tracks following overnight rains. Two National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) projects have borne the brunt of the rains and cloudburst, which unleashed floods. As per the dam status report of the state emergency operations centre, as of 3 pm today, the 520 MW Parbati Project Phase III (PHEP-III) was incapacitated as the FRL (m) was 1330, while PRL (m) was 1301 as the inflow in the dam was 118.1 cumecs and the slipway out flow as the same. It is learnt that the trash racks buried beneath meters of debris, halting over 30 million units generation of electricity per day. While the 800 MW Parbati Hydroelectric Project Phase II (PHEP-II) saw its entire powerhouse floor inundated with sludge, clogging draft tubes and disabling all four turbines. As per the dam status report of the state emergency operations centre the Full Reservoir Level (FRL) (m) was 2198, and inflow was 192.39 cumecs and the slipway out flow was 213.2 cumecs. The 100 MW Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (HPPCL) Sainj hydel project also suffered the same problem. The FRL (m) was 1752 and Highest Flood Level (HFL) (m) was 1753, while the Present Reservoir Level (PRL) (m) was 1740, the inflow was 62.6 cumecs, and the slipway outflow was the same. The 126 MW Larji hydropower plant remains non-operational for twenty-four hours due to scheduled dam flushing. Due to pre-monsoon flushing in Larji Dam, all five spillway gates of Pandoh Dam were opened on Sunday morning, resulting in an increase in water level in the Beas River. About 44,000 cusecs of water is flowing in the Beas river, the silt level has increased to 4,000 ppm. The Baggi tunnel has been closed for the time being due to which power generation in Dehar Power House has been temporarily stopped, Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) officials said. On the other hand, as per the report of the state emergency operations centre till today evening, a total of 129 roads were closed in the hill state, 57 in Sirmaur district, followed by 44 in Mandi district, 19 in Kullu, four in Una and Solan each and one is Lahaul and Spiti. Besides, 612 electricity transformers and six water supply schemes were affected. During this monsoon season, a total of 39 people have died in the State till today. Seven due to flash floods, six due to drowning, three due to falling from steep rocks, two due to electrocution and one because of snake bite. Over 19 people died in road accidents. The rail services on the Shimla-Kalka rail line were suspended after boulders and trees fell on the tracks near Solan's Koti area following overnight rains. The repair work is underway. The first train that was scheduled to arrive in the morning is halted at Koti railway station, while other trains have been halted at Gumman and Kalka. Videos of passengers, waiting for hours, expressing their anger, are also surfacing online. A landslide near Koti on the Shimla-Kalka National Highway (NH-5), connecting Shimla and Chandigarh, damaged a few stretches of the road, resulting in a two to three-km-long traffic jam for hours. An alternative route via Jangeshu road is also closed due to fallen debris, which is being cleared. Traffic from Kasauli towards Chandigarh will be diverted via Jangeshu once it gets cleared. Superintendent of Police of Solan, Gaurav Singh, said two-way traffic has been restored near Chakki mod on NH 5, which was damaged due to landslides and police teams are facilitating traffic movement. Stones, trees and debris have fallen at various places not only in Koti but also till Shimla. A bridge on the road leading to Himuda Complex near Truck Union in Barotiwala industrial area of Solan district has been washed away and the road to Himuda Complex Mandhala and Bagguwala has been closed. The Meteorological Centre at Shimla issued a red alert for downpour in 10 districts of the hill state. Of the 12 districts, a red alert for downpour has been issued for 10 districts Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Kangra, Mandi, Shimla, Solan, Sirmaur, Una, Kullu and Chamba for June 29. The Met office has warned of landslides, waterlogging, damage to vulnerable structures, traffic congestions and disruption in essential services. An orange warning has been issued for heavy to very heavy rains in isolated areas of the State on Monday and a wet spell in the state till July 5 is expected.
'Red' alert for downpour in Himachal, rail line shut
The meteorological centre in Shimla issued a 'red' alert on Sunday for very heavy downpour in 10 districts of Himachal Pradesh, while services on the Shimla-Kalka rail line were suspended for hours till the debris and trees fallen on the tracks following overnight rains were removed.
'Red alert' for downpour in Himachal, Shimla-Kalka rail line shut after overnight rains
Himachal Pradesh is under a red alert as heavy downpours trigger landslides and disrupt transportation. The Shimla-Kalka rail line is suspended, and the Shimla-Chandigarh highway faces severe traffic jams. Ten districts are bracing for potential floods and infrastructure damage, reminiscent of the devastating monsoon of 2023, prompting urgent safety advisories.
Heavy rainfall in Himachal Pradesh has caused significant damage, including landslides, waterlogging, and disrupted connectivity. Flash floods in Shimla, Kangra, and Sirmaur have resulted in loss of life and property, with 34 deaths reported since June 20. Efforts are underway to restore connectivity, and disaster management units are on high alert.
Red alert for downpour in Himachal; Shimla-Kalka rail line shut after overnight rains
Of the 12 districts, a red alert for downpour has been issued for 10 district -- Bilapsur, Hamirpur, Kangra, Mandi, Shimla, Solan, Sirmaur, Una, Kullu and Chamba -- for June 29.
Shimla-Kalka Rail, NH Blocked by Rain
Heavy rains trigger travel chaos in Himachal Pradesh; passengers stranded, flood threat looms
Himachal Pradesh: IMD issues orange, yellow alerts for heavy rain across districts
Himachal Pradesh is bracing for heavy rainfall as the IMD issues orange alerts for several districts, including Shimla, Sirmaur, Solan, Kullu, and Mandi, forecasting intense rainfall over the next 48 hours. While tourists enjoy the cooler climate, authorities are on high alert, activating rescue teams and advising against unnecessary travel due to potential landslides and flash floods.
Himachal flash floods: Search and rescue operation resumes
SHIMLA: (Jun 27) Search and rescue operation by joint teams of national and state disaster response forces, police and home guards to look for six missing people following cloudbursts and flash floods in Himachal Pradesh resumed on Friday morning, officials said. These people are feared to have been swept away following cloudbursts and flash floods in Himachal Pradeshs Kangra and Kullu districts on Wednesday. So far, five bodies have been recovered from a hydro project site in the Kangra district [] The post Himachal flash floods: Search and rescue operation resumes appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Himachal flash floods: Five bodies recovered so far, search and rescue operation continues
SHIMLA: Search and rescue operation by joint teams of national and state disaster response forces, police and home guards to look for six missing people following cloudbursts and flash floods in Himachal Pradesh resumed on Friday morning, officials said. These people are feared to have been swept away following cloudbursts and flash floods in Himachal Pradesh's Kangra and Kullu districts on Wednesday. So far, five bodies have been recovered from a hydro project site in the Kangra district that was hit by flash floods on Wednesday while the search for three missing people is on. The teams are also searching for three persons who went missing at Rehla Bihal in the Kullu district after a cloudburst, officials said. Lovely from the Chamba district, whom the search teams rescued from a forest near the project site, said there were 13 people in the camp, of which five ran towards the hills while the remaining were swept by the gushing waters. We saw the floods coming and screamed to alert the people below before running to safety, Daya Kishan, a labourer, said. The project work had been suspended due to rain, and the workers were resting in temporary shelters near the site when floodwaters from Manuni Khad and nearby drains diverted towards them, sweeping several away, the officials said. National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) Commandant Baljinder Singh maintained that they are trying to trace the people feared to have been swept away from the project site. Meanwhile, BJP MLA from Dharamshala Sudhir Sharma alleged that shelters were built near a stream, and not shifting labourers to safer areas when the weather deteriorated pointed towards negligence, which should be probed.
HP floods toll rises to 4; 15-20 swept away
SHIMLA/DHARAMSHALA, June 26: With the recovery of two more bodies from a hydro project site in Himachal Pradeshs Kangra district that was hit by flash floods on Wednesday, the death toll has risen to four, officials said on Thursday. Two bodies were recovered on Wednesday, while two more bodies were traced on Thursday, Additional Deputy Magistrate Kangra Shilpa Bekta said. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp The deceased have been identified as Chain Singh, a resident of Jammu and [] The post HP floods toll rises to 4; 15-20 swept away appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Cabinet passed resolution to declare June 25 as Samvidhan Hatya Divas to enlighten people: Rijiju
Shimla, Jun 26: The Union Cabinet passed the resolution to observe June 25 as Samvidhan Hatya Divas on the 50th anniversary of Emergency to expose the atrocities perpetrated on people, so that this Black Day is not repeated, Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, Kiran Rijiju said here on Thursday. India is the largest democracy in the world and it is the duty of every Indian to safeguard democracy, he said while addressing a press conference here. Rijiju took a jibe [] The post Cabinet passed resolution to declare June 25 as Samvidhan Hatya Divas to enlighten people: Rijiju appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Himachal flash floods: Search operation to find missing people intensified, others rescued
SHIMLA: Search operations have been intensified to trace 10 people missing since the flash floods triggered by cloudbursts in Himachal's Kangra and Kullu districts, officials said on Thursday. Two persons died while about 20 were feared swept away due to heavy rains on Wednesday evening but some of the missing people have since been rescued. In Manuni Khad in Kangra district, around 15-20 workers stationed at a labour colony near the Indira Priyadarshini Hydroelectric project site were feared swept away following a surge in water level in Manuni Khad of Khaniyara. Two people died due to the flash flood at the site. Three people at Rehla Bihal in Kullu district who were washed away in the deluge while trying to take away valuables from their homes are still missing. Two teams of State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and a team of home guards have been deployed at the spot and the National Disaster response Force (NDRF) has also been called for rescue efforts, Deputy Commissioner Hemraj Bairwa after visiting the site. At the hydroelectric project site, six people are feared swept away by the floods while one person was seen fleeing to a nearby hill to save himself. His whereabouts are also not yet known, the DC said. The rest have been rescued safely, he said, adding that search and rescue is the first priority. Stranded tourist vehicles amid flash floods following cloudbursts at Manikaran valley, in Kullu district, Himachal Pradesh, Wednesday, June 25, 2025. A bereaved woman mourns after her family members were allegedly swept away near Bihari area amid flash floods due to cloudbursts, in Kullu district, Himachal Pradesh, Wednesday, June 25, 2025. Some of the missing people hail from Nurpur and Chamba areas of Himachal Pradesh and others from Uttar Pradesh. A dedicated team has been sent to find the man who went into the hills during the floods. Dharamshala BJP MLA Sudhir Sharma who reached the spot on Thursday said the project site was one kilometer from his village. He said he received a call on Wednesday that the water level has surged and 15-20 people had been swept away. Sharma said that building sheds for labourers near the drain, and not shifting them when the weather was unsafe areas was negligence and an investigation should be initiated. The MLA also demanded adequate compensation to the family of the deceased. According to officials, the project work had been suspended due to the rain, and the workers were resting in temporary shelters near the site when floodwaters from Manuni Khad and nearby drains diverted towards the labour colony, sweeping several of them them away. In Kullu district, a search is underway to find three people who were swept away while trying to take away their valuables from their homes in Rehla Bihal area of Sainj. Three cloudbursts incidents were reported from Jeeva Nallah and Rehla Bihal in Sainj and Shilagarh in Gadsa area of Kullu district. Flash floods were also reported from Manali and Banjar in the district, and search operations were underway.
Three missing as cloudbursts trigger flash floods in Himachals Kullu District
CHANDIGARH: Three people were reportedly washed away after multiple cloudbursts triggered flash floods in Himachal Pradeshs Kullu district on Tuesday, causing widespread damage to houses, roads, school buildings, and small bridges. Cloudburst incidents were reported from Jeeva Nallah and Rehla Bihal in Sainj, as well as from Shilagarh in the Gadsa area, prompting local authorities to issue alerts for nearby regions. In Rehla Bihal, one man and two women attempting to retrieve valuables from their home were swept away in the sudden deluge and are currently missing. The heavy downpour led to a rapid swelling of rivers and streams, creating flood-like conditions across the district. The key Aut-Luhri-Sainj road was blocked, halting vehicular movement and cutting off access to several areas. Videos circulating on social media reveal the severity of the flooding, with footage showing vehicles being carried away by muddy waters and debris. Flash floods were also reported in Manali and Banjar areas within Kullu district, with search and rescue operations currently underway. Additionally, water from a flash flood in the Brahma Ganga drain in Manikaran Valley entered multiple homes, raising concerns of further damage. Himachal Pradesh Disaster Management Director D.C. Rana stated that the Parvati River was in spate. So far, there have been no confirmed reports of fatalities or major property loss, but people are being advised to relocate to safer areas as a precaution, he said. Banjar MLA Surinder Shourie confirmed receiving multiple reports of damage due to intense rainfall in the Sainj, Tirthan, and Gadsa regions. He urged the public to remain cautious and avoid rivers and drains, while also calling on local authorities to respond swiftly to the developing crisis. Meanwhile, in the neighbouring Lahaul and Spiti district, police reported the closure of the KazaSamdoh road due to landslides, debris, and overflowing drains. Water levels in both the Beas and Sutlej rivers have risen significantly. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for extremely heavy rainfall in Himachal Pradesh over the next 48 hours. Districts expected to be affected include Kangra, Mandi, Shimla, Sirmaur, Kullu, Hamirpur, Solan, and Una.
Three People Missing As Cloudbursts Create Havoc In HPs Kullu District
SHIMLA, Jun 25: Three people were washed away as cloudbursts led to flash floods in Himachal Pradeshs Kullu district on Wednesday, damaging several houses, a school building, connecting roads and small bridges, officials said. Three cloudbursts incidents were reported from Jeeva Nallah and Rehla Bihal in Sainj and Shilagarh in Gadsa area of Kullu district. Three people in Rehla Bihal trying to take away their valuables from their homes were washed away in the deluge and are missing, the officials [] The post Three People Missing As Cloudbursts Create Havoc In HPs Kullu District appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Shimla's Damini Singh Brar secured AIR 1 in IIT Kanpur's psychology entrance exam on her first attempt, without coaching, and will pursue her PhD at IIT Delhi.
Pawan Khera called Nishikant Dubey a quack and urged the media not to pay attention to him. Taking a dig at Nishikant Dubey, the Congress leader said that he is not even a student from WhatsApp University but of WhatsApp Nursery. Khera further asked Dubey to go to the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) and discontinue the Shimla Agreement.
ED Raids Himachal Assistant Drug Controller, Linked Persons In PMLA Probe
NEW DELHI/SHIMLA, June 22: The Enforcement Directorate on Sunday conducted searches against a Himachal Pradesh-based Assistant Drug Controller (ADC), his family members and some others as part of a money laundering investigation linked to charges of bribery and political patronage, official sources said. The action has been taken against Nishant Sareen, currently posted as ADC Dharamshala, his father-in-law Ramesh Kumar Gupta and an alleged associate Komal Khanna apart from some others, they said. Five residential and commercial premises in [] The post ED Raids Himachal Assistant Drug Controller, Linked Persons In PMLA Probe appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Scooty worth 1 lakh, number plate worth 14 lakh: Himachal man makes record bid in auction
Shimla, Jun 21: In a remarkable show of passion for unique vehicle numbers, Sanjeev Kumar from Hamirpur, Himachal Pradesh, has purchased a VIP registration numberHP21C-0001for 14 lakh for his new scooter, which itself is valued at only 1 lakh. The number was secured through an online auction conducted by the Himachal Pradesh Transport Department. The [] The post Scooty worth 1 lakh, number plate worth 14 lakh: Himachal man makes record bid in auction appeared first on Northlines .
Sonia Gandhi, the 78-year-old Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson, is in stable condition at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, where she is being treated for a stomach ailment since Sunday evening. Prior to her hospitalization, she had a medical check-up on June 9 and underwent tests in Shimla for elevated blood pressure, where doctors reported her condition as stable.
Sonia Gandhi admitted to Ganga Ram Hospital in Delhi due to stomach-related issues
Congress Parliamentary Party chief and Rajya Sabha MP Sonia Gandhi has been admitted to the Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in New Delhi, ANI reported on Sunday. The veteran politician is stable and has been kept under observation at the hospital's gastro department, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital informed, according to ANI. Last week, Gandhi was admitted to Indira Gandhi Medical College and Hospital in Himachal Pradesh's Shimla after experiencing high blood pressure. The Congress leader was brought in for a routine health check-up due to some minor health issues, Naresh Chauhan, Principal Advisor (Media) to the Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister, said. Gandhi was earlier in February this year admitted to the Sir Ganga Ram Hospital due to stomach related issues.
Gandhi special invitee at Shimla Art Fest
Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, June 15: The Shimla Art Festival, a vibrant three-day celebration of art and culture was inaugurated today at Himachal State Museum, Shimla and it will culminate on June 17. A handout stated that the festival will bring together some of Indias most acclaimed and emerging artists, showcasing the rich tapestry of creativity that defines the country. The special invitee, KK Gandhi, a renowned artist from Jammu, known for his expressive brushwork and deeply spiritual themes is participating [] The post Gandhi special invitee at Shimla Art Fest appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Sonia Gandhi Admitted To Ganga Ram Hospital With Stomach-Related Issue
This is not the first time Gandhi has sought medical care recently. Just a week ago, on June 7, she was admitted in a hospital in Shimla
Shimla's Damini Singh Barar secures All India Rank 1 in PhD Psychology entrance, earning admission to IIT Delhi through self-study without coaching.
Four dead in separate Himachal Pradesh tragedies; three drown, one killed in accident
CHANDIGARH: Four people lost their lives in separate incidents across Himachal Pradesh on Thursday, three due to drowning and one in a tragic road accident. In the first incident, two Kashmiri youths drowned in Baner Khad in Gram Panchayat Gahlian near Ranital in Kangra district. The deceased were identified as Rajendra Kumar (36) and Ashok Kumar (21), both from Kathua district of Jammu and Kashmir. They had been working as woodcutters and were living in a rented accommodation in Gahlian. Sources said the two, along with two friends, had gone to the ravine to wash clothes. Afterward, they entered the water to bathe but ventured into the deeper section and drowned. When they did not return for a long time, their other two friends started searching for them and found their clothes and mobile phones lying on the banks of Baner Khad. When they raised an alarm, the local people, including the Panchayat Pradhan and Deputy Pradhan, reached the spot and with the help of the people, divers took out the bodies, said an official. Police reached the spot, took custody of the bodies, and sent them for post-mortem examination at Dr Rajendra Prasad Medical College and Hospital in Tanda. In a separate drowning incident, 21-year-old Sheetal, a local girl, died while bathing in Jabbar Khad along the Defence Road in Dhakki village under the Nurpur police station area. Police took her body into custody, conducted a post-mortem examination, and handed it over to the family for cremation. In both drowning incidents, police have initiated inquest proceedings. Meanwhile, tragedy struck in Una district when a pick-up van fell into a 24-foot-deep gorge near the Peer Nigahe area, resulting in the death of one person and injuries to 29 others. The victims were from Punjab and were returning after visiting shrines, including Baba Balak Nath and other local pilgrimage centres, when the accident occurred on Thursday night. Locals rescued the injured from the gorge and rushed them to Una hospital, where one of them succumbed to injuries. Two critically injured persons were referred to PGI Chandigarh. A case has been registered, and investigations are underway. On a separate note, light rainfall lashed Shimla on Thursday afternoon, providing much-needed relief from the sweltering heat. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had forecast rain and thunderstorms in the area, which finally arrived, ending a prolonged dry spell. Rain accompanied by thunderstorm was also reported in Dharamsala, McLeodganj and the surrounding areas.
Chandigarh Man Killed In Shimla Hotel After Cousin Allegedly Slit His Throat With Broken Beer Bottle
The victim, identified as Akash Sharma, a resident Chandigarh, was allegedly killed by his cousin, Arjun, after the two of them checked in a hotel room for a leisure trip
Air India crash in Ahmedabad could be the worst involving a single aircraft in India
The crash of Air India Flight 171 in Ahmedabad on Thursday could be the worst ever accident involving a single aircraft in India. There were 242 people on board the flight, while more casualties are likely on the ground as the plane crashed into a hostel for medical students. The only plane accident in India with more casualties was the mid-air collision of two aircraft over Charkhi Dadri in Haryana, around 100 km from Delhi, in 1996 in which 349 people died. That crash involved the collision of a Saudia flight from Delhi to Dhahran in Saudi Arabia and a Kazakhstan Airlines flight from Chimkent in Kazakhstan to Delhi. LIVE | Air India flight to London crashes near Ahmedabad airport during takeoff; all 242 passengers presumed dead The previous worst crash involving a single aircraft in India took place on New Year's Day in 1978 when an Air India flight crashed into the Arabian Sea just off the coast of Bombay less than two minutes after take-off. All 213 people on board that flight, which was headed to Dubai, died. The aircraft was a Boeing-747 named Emperor Ashoka. The worst ever crash involving an Air India plane was in 1985 when a flight from Canada to India was blown up over the Atlantic Ocean after a bomb was planted on board by Khalistani terrorists. All 329 people on board were killed. Here is a timeline of the major air accidents in India since 1990: August 7, 2020 Air India Express Flight IX-1344 Kozhikode In Keralas biggest plane accident, an Air India Express aircraft carrying 190 people on board, including crew, from Dubai to Calicut airport skidded off the table-top runway while landing in bad weather, fell 35 feet onto a road below and split into two. Operating under the Vande Bharat Mission to repatriate Indians stranded abroad due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Boeing 737-800 aircraft was flying from Dubai to Kozhikode (Calicut). Such runways, which are located on hilltops, create the optical illusion of being at the same level as the plains below when a pilot comes in for a landing. The crash claimed 21 lives, including both pilots, and left more than 100 injured, some critically. May 22, 2010 Air India Express Flight IX-81 - Mangalore Air India Express Flight IX-812 crashed on May 22, 2010, at Mangalore International Airport, marking one of the deadliest aviation disasters in India. The flight, a Boeing 737-800, was operating from Dubai to Mangalore with 166 people onboard, including many Indian expatriates returning home. The 2-year-old aircraft had crashed outside Mangalore airport in Karnataka on May 22, killing 158 people when it burst into flames after overshooting a table-top runway and plunged into a nearby forest.The crash resulted in 158 fatalities, with only 8 survivors, most of whom were seated in the front section of the aircraft. The investigation found that the pilot overshot the table-top runway at Mangalore and tried to pull up the plane but it was too late. November 10, 2009 An ATR-72 passenger plane, operated by Kingfisher Airlines, was damaged when it skidded off the runway on landing at Mumbai-Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport (BOM), India. Flight IT4124 operated on a scheduled domestic flight from Bhavnagar Airport (BHU) to Mumbai. Maintenance on main runway 27 at Mumbai effected operations at the airport between certain times. October 29, 2008 King Air C-90 aircraft owned and operated by Govt of Punjab was operating Positioning flight from Chandigarh to Ludhiana on 29.10.08 with two cockpit crew on board. The flight en-route up to overhead Ludhiana was uneventful. The crew located the runway late due prevailing Low visibility. They were not comfortable with the approach and made a go around; a non-standard go-around due to low visibility. In the anxiety to not to loose the sight of the field they descended in three orbits in the vicinity of the airfield on the west side of R/w 12, perhaps to land after making the short circuit from the right. However they lost the control and impacted with the ground in the steep left bank. Aircraft got destroyed in the crash due to the impact and post impact fire. Both the occupant on board died due to fire and collapsing aircraft structure. Air India crash near Ahmedabad airport: What we know so far March 19, 2008 The Premier 1 corporate jet aircraft took off normally from Jodhpur (JDH), India. The flight en-route up to approach to land at Udaipur (UDR) was uneventful. After clearance to land at Udaipur the pilot selected the flaps-10; the flap didnt respond and Flaps-Fail message flashed. The pilot decided to go for a flap-less landing and carried out the check list for Flaps Up approach & landing. The approach speed of the aircraft was probably high and it could not be brought to the assigned limit for flap less landing. The pilot continued approach at high speed. From about 25 feet height, the aircraft had a sort of free fall and impacted the runway. It rolled for about 150 feet with heavy breaking on both the wheels; which caused heavy rubber deposits on the runway and subsequent tyre burst. The aircraft veered to right and hit the boundary wall before it stopped. September 8, 2007 Vulcanair P68C aircraft VT-JOY operated by M/s Joy Alukkas Traders (I)pvt Ltd, Cochin operating flight from Bangalore Airport to Cochin on 08.9.2007 after refueling at Bangalore. Its took-off from Bangalore airport runway 27 at approx 1514 Hrs normally. At about1520 Hrs IST the aircraft wanted to return back due technical. However it could not make it as it was losing the engine power very fast. Subsequently Radar contact with the aircraft was lost and the aircraft crashed onto the lakebed of Gawdanapalya Lake, about 5NM Southwest of Bangalore airport. All the persons onboard received fatal injuries. There was no evidence of fire. Aircraft was completely destroyed. July 1, 2007 ATR 72-212A aircraft VT -JCE operated by M/s Jet Airways was operating schedule flight sectors DelhiBhopalIndoreDelhi on 1.7.2007. The flight up-till approach to land at Indore was normal. On coming to the runway the aircraft touched down moderately hard and bounced high. The Pilots were perhaps determined to salvage the abnormal situation and added Power to the Engines with intention to cushion the sink-rate and settle the runway. On the contrary, aircraft came hard on the RWY and bounced once again. This got followed with a series of bounces in succession. While bouncing the aircraft migrated from the runway and finally came to full halt on right side close to airport boundary wall. There was no fire in the accident. March 11, 2006 Low-cost carrier Air Deccan's flight from Coimbatore was involved in a mishap when it skidded off the runway after landing at the Bangalore airport.The brand new ATR-72 plane with a compliment of 40 passengers and four crew members damaged its landing gear -- nose wheel and undercarriage-- and slipped out of the runway. April 17, 2004 The aircraft owned and operated by M/s Agni Aerosports Adventure Academy,Bangalore was scheduled for a flight from Jakkur airport to Nadirgul on 7.4.2004. The aircraft took off at about 1115 Hrs with four persons on board including pilot in command. Film actress Ms. Soundarya was also on board the aircraft. After attaining a height of about 150 ft after takes off, the aircraft took a steep left turn, stalled and hit the ground. A few minutes later, the aircraft caught fire and all the occupants received fatal injuries. The aircraft got destroyed due impact and post impact fire. Ahmedabad Air India plane crash: Former Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani feared to be among passengers September 30, 2001 (Charter Flight) King Air C 90 aircraft VT-EFF owned by Birla Global Finance Ltd. and operated by M/s Jindal Strips Ltd., New Dehli took off from Delhi on 30.09.2001 at 1241 hrs with six passengers and two crewmembers on board. The aircraft was bound to Kanpur. En route it reported Aligarh as estimated. Short of next reporting point KADAS the aircraft was about 10 miles right of track for which the permission was obtained and the pilot requested for direct routing to Kanpur. Captain was advised by ATC Lucknow, to co-ordinate with Gwalior and Agra for traffic information. Thereafter, the aircraft lost the contact with the ATC and crashed. All the persons on board received fatal injuries. The aircraft got destroyed due fire. July 17, 2000 Boeing 737 aircraft VT-EGD, owned by Indian Airlines Ltd. and operated by Airlines Allied Services Ltd. took off from NSCBI Airport Kolkata at 0615 hrs on 17.07.2000 for Patna Lucknow - Delhi. The aircraft was under the command of Capt. Sohan Pal and there were 58 persons, including six crewmembers, on board. At approx 0713 hrs, the aircraft informed Patna ATC, estimated arrival time at Patna at 0736 hrs. The aircraft informed Patna ATC at 0732 hrs that it would like to do a 360-degree due to being high on approach. The ATC informed the aircraft to report final for R/W 25 after carrying out a 360-degree turn and the pilot acknowledged the same. This was the last communication recorded between the aircraft and the ATC. During the approach, for R/W 25 at Patna, the aircraft turned steeply to the left, losing height, and collided with the tree in the approach funnel and crashed in the GardaniBagh area near Patna Airport. The aircraft was totally destroyed due impact with the ground and post impact fire. July 30, 1998 Indian Airlines DO-228 aircraft VT-EJW was involved in an accident at KochiAerodrome on 30-7-98. The aircraft was scheduled to operate from Kochi toThiruvananthapuram. Aircraft took off from runway 17 of Kochi Aerodrome. After attaining a height of about 400 ft. it was seen pitching up steeply to a near vertical attitude and thereafter appeared to perform a manoeuvre similar to a stall turn to the right and crashed on the roof top of the Component Repair Shop (CRS) building of the Naval Aircraft Yard, Kochi. After the impact the aircraft caught fire and was completely destroyed. All persons on board received fatal injuries. Three persons working in CRS also received fatal and six other persons received minor injuries. November 12, 1996 A Saudi Arabian Boeing 747 aircraft and Kazakhastna IL-76 aircraft collided in mid-air about 40 miles west of Delhi on 12th November, 1996. All the 312 occupants of Saudi Boeing 747 and 37 occupants of Kazakhstan IL-76 aircraft lost their lives. The Saudi Boeing 747 aircraft was on a scheduled passenger flight from Delhi to Dahran and the Kazakhastan aircraft was operating a non-scheduled flight from Chimkent, Kazakhastan to Delhi. After takeoff from Delhi, Delhi Approach had instructed the Saudi Boeing 747 aircraft to climb and maintain FL-140 (14,000 feet). The Kazakhastan aircraft had been instructed by Delhi Approach to descend and maintain FL-150 (15,000 feet). Suddenly at 1840 hours the blips of the two aircraft disappeared from the radar screen, as the two aircraft had collided. There was no casualty on the ground. The wreckage of Saudi Boeing 747 aircraft fell near village Dhani in Bhiwani District of Haryana and that of Kazakhastan IL-76 aircraft was lying near village Birohar in Rohtak District. Standing crops at the site of accident were damaged due to fire, impact and rescue operations. Ahmedabad airport resumes operations after brief shutdown following Air India flight crash July 11, 1996 Archana Airways L-410 aircraft VT-ETC was operating flight on Delhi-Shimla-Bhunter- Delhi sector on 11.07.96. The flight upto Shimla was unenventful. The aircraft took-off from Shimla with 9 persons including three flight crew members. At 0855 hrs. aircraft hit and crashed into a hill and caught fire near Kanda village. The Aircraft was totally destroyed and all the persons on board received fatal injuries and three persons on ground have also suffered injuries. May 18, 1996 Archana Airways L-410 aircraft VT-ETB was operating a scheduled flight from Delhi to Kanpur civil aerodrome on 18.05.96. The flight from Delhi to Kanpur was uneventful. The aircraft took-off from Delhi with 19 persons including three light crew. During landing, the aircraft touched down late and could not be stopped within the available runway length and went beyond the runway. The aircraft hit the boundary wall of the airport and came to halt. The aircraft sustained major damages. There was no fire and no injury to persons on board the aircraft. December 2, 1995 Indian Airlines B-737 aircraft VT-ECS was operating flight IC-492 of 2.12.95 under the command of Capt. Adil Mistry with co-pilot Sandeep Marwah and four cabin crew. The flight upto Jaipur was uneventful. Aircraft took-off from Jaipur with 98+4 passengers. Aircraft landed at Delhi at 1253 hrs. After landing the aircraft could not be stopped within the available runway length and went beyond the runway into kutcha. The aircraft was substantially damaged. There was minor fire. Six passengers received minor injuries. July 1, 1995 East West F-27 aircraft was engaged in a training flight at Baroda airport on 1.7.1995. The aircraft was under the command of an Examiner pilot with the trainee pilot on right hand seat. The first touch and go exercise was uneventful. During the second exercise, immediately on touchdown the left main landing gear failed at its shock strut outer cylinder and the inner cylinder with the main wheel assembly attached to it got liberated. The aircraft continued moving forward with the remaining portion of left shock strut contacting the runway followed by the left engine propellers and fuselage bottom and finally came to rest on the runway left side strip. There was no fire and no injury to persons on board the aircraft. The aircraft sustained substantial damage. December 17, 1994 Indian Airlines A-320 aircraft VT-EPM was operating a scheduled flight from Madras to Hyderabad on 17.12.1994. The aircraft was under the command of Capt. C.J. Bhoopal with Capt. Sree Nair as First Officer. In all there were 144 persons on board the aircraft. After reaching over Hyderabad airfield, the aircraft did normal descent and was cleared for VOR DME approach for Runway 09. Aftertouchdown when the aircraft was rolling, it was hit by an unauthorised outsider on moped, who was attempting to cross the runway. The aircraft continued rolling with normal braking. The moped rider died on the spot and his body was ragmented into pieces and scattered all over the runway. Aircraft sustained slight damage. November 15, 1993 Indian Airlines Airbus A-300 aircraft VT-EDV was operating scheduled flight IC-440 (Madras- Hyderabad sector) on 15.11.1993. There were a total of 262 persons were on board the aircraft including 247+3 passengers and 12 crew members. The aircraft could not land at Hyderabad due to low visibility and carried out a missed approach. After the missed approach, the aircraft reported Flap Problem and was holding overhead at Hyderabad during which the flight crew enquired visibility at nearby Air Force airfields which was also low. The aircraft then diverted to Madras. Due to flaps problem, the crew had to maintain low speed and low altitude as a result of which it experienced fuel shortage and sought permission from Madras control for landing at Tirupati. However, the aircraft could not reach even Tirupati airport and executed forced landing in an open paddy field about 14 nautical miles from Tirupati airport. The aircraft dragged on the soft paddy field before coming to final stop. There was no fire. Passenger evacuation was carried out by means of escape slides. All the persons on board escaped unhurt except four who received minor injuries. April 26, 1993 Indian Airlines Boeing 737 aircraft VT-ECQ was operating scheduled flight IC-491 from Delhi- Jaipur-Udaipur-Aurangabad-Bombay on 26.4.1993. The flight from Delhi to Aurangabad was uneventful. The aircraft took-off from Aurangabad with 118 persons on board. Aircraft lifted up almost at the end of runway and impacted heavily with a lorry carrying pressed cotton bales running from North to South on a highway at a distance of about 410 feet from the end of runway. The aircraft left main landing gear, left engine bottom cowling and thrust reverser impacted the left side of the truck at a height of nearly seven feet from the level of the road. Thereafter the aircraft hit the high tension electric wires nearly 3 kms North-East of the runway and hit the ground. In all 55 persons received fatal injuries. The aircraft was destroyed due to post impact fire. January 9, 1993 On 9th January, 1993 TU-154 aircraft No. 85533 wet leased by Indian Airlines from Uzbekistan Airways was operating flight IC-840 from Hyderabad to Delhi. The aircraft was being flown by Uzbeki operating crew and there were 165 persons on board including the crew. The aircraft touched down slightly outside the right edge of the runway, collided with some fixed installations on the ground, got airborne once again and finally touched down on kutcha ground on the right side of the runway. At this stage the right wing and the tail of the aircraft broke away and it came to rest in an inverted position. During the process, the aircraft caught fire and was destroyed. Most occupants of the aircraft escaped unhurt. Six persons suffered either limb fracture or other serious injuries while 45 persons suffered injuries of a minor nature. Boeing stock tumbles over 7% in pre-market following Air India crash September 4, 1992 Indian Airlines B-737 aircraft VT-EGJ was operating scheduled flight IC-493 (Udaipur-Bombay sector) on 4.9.92. During take-off roll, the aircraft hit an Aerodrome Attendant (Chowkidar) on the runway centerline, who received fatal injuries. The aircraft continued with the take-off roll, got airborne and subsequently landed uneventfully at its destination Bombay. January 10, 1992 Air Lanka B-737 aircraft was engaged in a Scheduled International Passenger flight from Colombo to Madras on 10.1.1992. During landing on Runway 07 at Madras airport, the right landing gear attachment failed and right engine bottom contacting runway surface immediately on touchdown. The aircraft started swerving towards the right of runway center line as it moved forward on its wheels with right engine cowling and bottom rubbing the runway surface. The aircraft finally came to stop with its nose wheel and failed right main landing gear entering the grassy side strip soon after crossing the Delta taxiway. The fire emanating from the right engine was extinguished by the Safety Services and the crew and passengers evacuated the aircraft through the left side exit doors by means of the slide chutes. August 16, 1991 Indian Airlines Boeing 737 aircraft VT-EFL while operating flight IC-257 (Calcutta-Imphal) on 16.8.91 crashed about 20 nautical miles from the Imphal airport. The aircraft had earlier taken off from Calcutta at 0615 hrs UTC and it lost contact with Imphal airport at 0716 hrs UTC at approximately 5000 feet on ILS. The aircraft was under the command of Capt. Shekhar Haldar with Capt. D.B. Roychoudhary as First Officer. There were a total of 68+1 persons on board the aircraft including crewmembers. All the 69 persons died in the accident. The aircraft was completely destroyed. May 7, 1990 Air India Boeing 747 aircraft VT-EBO was operating flight AI-132 (London-Delhi-Bombay). During landing at Delhi Airport, on 7.5.1990, its left outboard engine (No. 1 Engine) partially separated from its wing attachment and consequently left wing caught fire which was quickly extinguished by the Airport Safety Services. The passengers were safely evacuated through slide chutes. The left wing of the aircraft was substantially damaged. February 14, 1990 Indian Airlines Airbus A-320 aircraft VT-EPN was operating Bombay-Bangalore sector on 14.2.1990. The aircraft took off from Bombay at 11:58 hours. There were 146 persons on board which included the two cockpit crew, five cabin crew, and four infants. The flight from Bombay to Bangalore was uneventful. During the final approach to Runway 09 at Bangalore the aircraft first contacted ground within the boundary of the Karnataka Golf Association approximately 2300 ft. prior to the beginning of Runway 09. The aircraft went up into the air for a very short duration after which it again contacted the ground on all three gears and then hit an embankment at the boundary of the golf course. The aircraft finally came to rest outside the boundary wall of the airport. The aircraft was destroyed due to impact and fire. In all 92 persons on board including two pilots and two cabin crew died in the accident.
Six pilgrims injured after SUV rams into tree in Himachal's Hamirpur
HAMIRPUR: Six members of a family sustained serious injuries when their SUV rammed into a huge tree near Jolsapper village in Himachal's Hamirpur district on Thursday, police said. A two-year-old child escaped unhurt in the accident that took place when the family was on the way to the Jwala Mata temple in Kangra district. The injured, including four women, were taken to a nearby private clinic and then referred to the Hamirpur Medical College after providing first aid. One of the injured Chain Singh, a resident of Theog (Shimla), said he was going to visit the temple with his family in his new SUV when the accident took place. The SUV was damaged in the accident. Nadaun Police station in-charge Nirmal Singh said a case has been registered.
CHANDIGARH: The high-altitude Shipki La pass on the India-China border in the tribal district of Kinnaur in Himachal Pradesh was thrown open on Tuesday to the public for the first time since independence in 1947. The motorable mountain pass at a height of 3,930 metres in one of the most closely-guarded border zones in the country was earlier open only for traders, although even this was stopped in 2020. Addressing a public meeting on the occasion, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said, At the border, we have eased restrictions for tourists so that they can enjoy the beauty of Shipki La. Boosting tourism in the region would also strengthen the local economy. He said that the state government had requested the Ministry of Defence to grant permission for starting tourism activities in the border areas of Lepcha, Shipki La, Giu and Rani Kanda. After the approval was received, the border tourism initiative has been launched. Sukhu said that the state government would also raise the issue of starting the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra from Shipki La with the central government. He added, I will meet the Prime Minister and present this matter before him. Shipki La will be the easiest route for the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra. The possibility of restarting the centuries-old trade between India and Tibet through this pass would also be raised with the central government, he said. Sukhu stated that the state government has also urged the Centre to establish the Himachal Scout Battalion, which would have a special quota for the local people of the border areas of the state. The matter of setting up an airport to promote tourism in the border areas would also be pursued with the Union government, he said. Further, the state government would urge the Centre to abolish the Inner Line Check Post of the military and paramilitary forces, which currently creates obstacles for tourists, he added. Sukhu said that the Wangtu-Atargu-Mud-Bhaba road connecting Lahaul-Spiti district to Kinnaur has been approved by the National Wildlife Board, thus paving the way for its construction which would reduce the distance between Shimla and Kaza by approximately 100 km. He said that border roads were not only of strategic importance, but their purpose was to provide benefits to the people by increasing connectivity in remote regions. Sukhu said he has also recently discussed an action plan to promote tourism in the border areas with the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) by using various helipads of the paramilitary force. Discussions have also been held about providing medical facilities to the public through the health institutions of the ITBP. He said that the country is proud of the valour of the Army and paramilitary forces. He also inaugurated the Border Forest Park at Shipki-La and visited Indira Gandhi Point. Sukhu became only the second Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh to set foot at Shipki La, following in the footsteps of the first Chief Minister of the state Yashwant Singh Parmar and former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, who had trekked to the pass in 1968, long before a road was even built here.
Sonia Gandhi visits Ganga Ram Hospital, undergoes medical check-up
New Delhi: Congress leader Sonia Gandhi on Monday visited Sir Ganga Ram Hospital (SGRH) and underwent a medical check-up, sources said. This health check-up comes just two days after Gandhi, 78, was taken to Indira Gandhi Medical College Hospital in Shimla after she complained of high blood pressure. The veteran Congress leader was in Himachal Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Rural youth should be trained to become agripreneurs: VP Dhankhar
SHIMLA, Jun 7: Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar on Saturday emphasised the need to empower the rural youth to become instruments of change in Indias enormous but underutilised agricultural economy. Interacting with students, faculty and researchers during his visit to Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry in Solan, he also called for giving direct subsidy to farmers and claimed it will increase their annual income by Rs 30,000. Dhankhar said that instead of giving indirect subsidies on fertilisers, seeds [] The post Rural youth should be trained to become agripreneurs: VP Dhankhar appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
